I’ve been CD-player-less over the last couple of weeks after sending back the incredible Resolution Audio Opus system. Time away from my main system has me in my office thoroughly enjoying a very modest system made up of a Sonic Impact Super –T amp being fed by my Mac Mini and driving the very ambient Duevel Planets. I’ve been steering my Mac Mini around surfing quite a bit these past few nights and wanted to share with the SonicFlare audience two fantastic and entertaining and not completely related medium.

First is Ben Harper’s 2006 release, “Both Sides of the Gun”… especially the mellower disc. Critically not loved, I find the mellow disc a great mental tune-out-and-forget-the-day treatment. It’s very familiar and consistent. It’s pretty raw and direct. The upbeat second disc is more varied and perhaps a little predictable but fun nonetheless.

Second, I wanted to recommend a web audio ‘zine from the other side of the world. AudioEnz.co.nz is based in New Zealand and has a very clean layout with very well written and concise reviews/articles and one of my most favorite writers, Marc Phillips, the Vinyl Anachronist. You can find Marc on PerfectSoundForever and ToneAudio (perhaps my favorite online audio ‘zine right now – besides SonicFlare of course :-). But do check out AudioEnz.co.nz for a good collection of interesting articles, music and gear reviews. Highly recommended.